M1855 Socket Bayonet with Tin Throat--anyone recognize this?

[jagjetta]

Greetings,

 

I am stumped by what is a pretty normal M1855 socket bayonet (marked on side of socket, "C&Co." for Collins and Company and "F" on the other side). The puzzler, as you can see, is the tin and brass "throat extension" that has apparently lived inside the socket for a long time.

 

Does anyone recognize this as some sort of adaptation for a weapon other than a 3-band M1855 /1861/1863 rifle musket?

 

Thanks

JAG

[Misfit 45]

Very interesting! Although I have not seen one before, I would suspect it was not so much an extension as much as a reducing insert which would allow the bayonet to fit a smaller barreled rifle. The nub on the device looks to be able to slide through the sight path and twist through the "L" slot and fully seat inside the bayonet tube. I have a British bayonet with a brass inner sleeve which would serve a similar purpose. I am looking forward to more knowledgeable folks to come forth and give us their opinion. Thanks for showing it.

Marv